Structural equation modeling for the effects of family dysfunctions and communication on perceived mental health status among under/graduate students in the U.S.
Many of the college students expressed experiencing moderate or severe psychological distress. In their emergence as adults, college students encounter significant periods of drastic change. Family functions play a crucial role in determining individuals’ mental health status.
Objectives
The first objective of this study was to investigate whether family communication mediates the relationships between family dysfunctions and perceived mental health status among under/graduate students. The second objective was to investigate whether the mediation effects of family communication on the relationships between family dysfunctions and perceived mental health status differ by gender.
Methods
The current study applied Minuchin’s Structural Family Theory with under/graduate students (N = 348) in Ohio. Structural Equation Modeling was conducted to examine the effects of family dysfunctions and communication on perceived mental health status among under/graduate students.
Results
Disengaged family function significantly influenced family communication, which, in turn, significantly impacted perceived mental health (mediation effect). Enmeshed family function did not show a significant relationship with family communication, whereas family communication had a significant impact on perceived mental health (no mediation effect). The model comparison test indicated that there were differences between males and females: the structural weights of the current path models were consistent with the full models, and there was a significant difference in the effect of parents’ marital status on perceived mental health, with males being significantly impacted in both models.
Conclusions
Practitioners should recognize that improving positive communication skills within the family unit can be a realistic approach to supporting the perceived mental health of under/graduate students. Colleges/universities should offer regular education programs to promote an understanding of the relationship between family communication strategies and the mental health of under/graduate students.
Steam for Chromebooks is getting axed in 2026 instead of exiting its 4-year beta
New study shows that Gen Z is spending way less money on videogames than older gamers
The US Air Force wants to test blowing up Cybertrucks because 'it is likely the type of vehicles used by the enemy may transition to Tesla Cyber trucks'
Modders are trying their hardest to add an NVMe SSD to the Switch 2, which is both impressive and something I'm not going to do
Южной транспортной прокуратурой организована проверка по факту происшествия с парапланеристкой в Чегемском ущелье Кабардино-Балкарской Республики
Работники Северо-Западного филиала ФГУП «УВО Минтранса России» с экскурсией посетили Приоратский дворец в Гатчине и побывали на мастер-классе по сыроварению
Почему Трамп сказал, что едет в Россию, если встреча назначена в Аляске
Футболистки «Крыльев Советов» уступили ЦСКА в матче Суперлиги – счет 0:2
